Home Insurance Adds Kidnap Cover

If we were on holiday in a foreign country which has somewhat of a chequered past we might possibly be on our guard against crimes against our person such as kidnapping. However, more and more of us are concerned about this sort of thing happening at home.

As was illustrated in the plot to kidnap Tony Blair's son Leo, the threat of abduction is a real one, and not just for MPs and billionaires.

At least that is according to a leading insurer which is now offering kidnap cover as part of its home insurance policies.

The managing director of the firm offering the insurance explained the rationale behind the product: "Our clients range from entrepreneurs to bank managers and senior lawyers who may not necessarily be considered the most vulnerable group when it comes to kidnapping.”

"However, their success can sometimes attract the attention of local criminal elements."

The cover does not cover any ransom payments but will cover the cost of employing skilled negotiators, installing extra security, paying legal fees or providing psychiatric care for victims up to a total cost of £20,000.

"The insurance is not intended to provide the necessary cover for high risk individuals and the relatively low limit of £20,000 enables cover to be included as standard for all clients at no additional premium," he concluded.

Top tips on how to prevent your family members being kidnapped:

•    Make sure you know the people who are looking after your children. Teach them never to talk to strangers.
•    Do not accept lifts from strangers – once in their car you are at their mercy.
•    Do not leave door open – sometimes kidnappers will come into your home to get what they want.
•    Find an alternative route – if you do the same journey everyday at the same time someone may be watching you. If you change your route it will be more difficult to catch you.
•    Always let someone else know where you are. Tell people what time you expect to be home and if that does not happen then friends and family will raise the alarm.

If you would like to know more about home insurance why not ask AnswerBank Insurance.